After the NFL announced All-Pro Von Miller of the Denver Broncos had violated the league’s substance abuse policy, the Broncos and arguably one of the league’s best linebackers were put in a difficult position.
Initially, Miller was expected to miss the first four games of the season as a result of a suspension handed down by the league, but now it may be as much as six or potentially more games according to Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter of ESPN.com:
Von Miller is facing a six-game suspension for violation of the league’s substance policy, according to league sources, but the sides still are negotiating as representatives of the Denver Broncos linebacker are trying to get the ban reduced to four games.
With Miller set to miss at least six games as a result of the suspension, the Broncos’ defense will suffer a major blow heading into the regular season. Miller is arguably the best player on the defensive side of the football for the Broncos and has only gotten better over the last two years.
Not only will the Broncos be without their best defensive player in Miller, but they’ll also feel the loss of veteran linebacker Elvis Dumervil. Denver lost Dumervil in free agency due to a mishap in the front office resulting in the Pro Bowler hitting the free agent market and ultimately signing with the defending Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens.
The losses on the defensive side of the football may prove costly for a team expected to contend for a Super Bowl title during the 2013 NFL season.
